The John O'Gaunt, Lancaster

As a loyal customer for over 22 years I believe wholeheartedly that this pub has come back from the brink - and with a vengeance. After Steve and Ula Thorn turned it around into Lancaster's top music venue back in the late 80's it was a cracking boozer until the next leaseholder closed it without notice thereby disenfranchising many customers and losing the Sunday noon to 3pm trad jazz, the Thurs folks sessions and several other bands.

Cut to last September after a couple of managers later and the duo of lease holder and manager Rick and John have come in like a hurricane. They have reinstated quality and wide ranging music 6 nights a week, a Sunday funk session after the jazz that moved to the Robert Gillow, the beers are cracking again, the place is cleaner than it has been for at least 5 years, the walls repainted with nicotine paint to match the original veneer (that was chipping away), the old English sausage menu is back, the bar rail has been ordered, the bar staff are delightful, Rick and John are total characters but run a great ship well (just like Steve when they have a drink they put money in the till). And I, most of my friends, and many of Lancaster's musicians, old and new are all flocking back.

Barry Marshall who took many of the original musician photos has started adding new ones to the old collection too.

My favourite pub in Lancaster again, at last!!

4 Feb 2010 04:29